Antique Brooches

Antique Brooches

Antique Brooches

Brooches can be worn on coat lapels, hats, scarves, dresses, blouses and handbags, a versatile accessory, an antique brooch can add a touch of glamour and vintage feel to an outfit. Both functional and decorative, it looks elegant whilst serving the purpose of holding garments together if need be. Vintage brooches are made from a variety of precious metals; they may have been embellished with semi-precious and precious gemstones. The condition of the brooch, what it is made from and the age of the piece will largely determine its value.

History of Brooches

The earliest form of a brooch dates back to the Bronze age, brooches found by archaeologists were called ‘fibula’, a Latin term, which refers to a decorative clasp that was used by the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Germanic people and other tribes within Europe. It was originally shaped similar to a large safety pin and held clothing together. An example of a simple fibula/brooch would be a Roman militaria fibula.
Brooches evolved to become fashionable and a statement piece of jewellery.

Types of Antique Brooch

There is a wide choice of brooches, some are made from gold or silver, decorated with gemstones or enamel, and these different styles from across the centuries can finish off a look. Perfect as a wedding accessory, or a smaller brooch can be a finishing touch to a summer dress. Whatever the occasion there is a brooch to match the given event.

Antique Hair and Portrait Brooches

These brooches tell a story in their own right, during the Victorian period it became increasingly popular to incorporate a portrait and hair into ones brooches, initially it began as a way to convey mourning but it developed into keepsakes for loved ones. A two-sided swivel brooch would see a portrait on one side and a lock of hair on the alternative.

Antique Art Deco Brooches

Art Deco brooches are a nice addition to a jewellery collection and work with a variety of styles, made between 1920-1935, the brooches are often inspired by geometric designs, they look sophisticated and streamlined, often with angular linear, they may be symmetric. The design of Art Deco brooches is sleek and elegant, this is not to say they are plain, they are made usually made from gold, silver or platinum and set with gemstones such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds, and diamonds. Costume Art Deco brooches may also feature glass or crystal. Common Art Deco brooches include certain art work such as arrows, rockets, scarabs, having drawn inspiration from Ancient Egyptian art.

Other styles of brooches include Edwardian brooches, these tended to be made by hand, popular during this period were brooches made from pearl, enamel and rhinestones. For formal occasions a beautiful vintage rhinestone brooch is both striking and enchanting to the eye. Rhinestone brooches offer high sparkle, portraying the look of cut glass or diamonds; newer rhinestone brooches will have a flatter, plastic appearance.

Swarovski crystal brooches are the most expensive form of crystal brooch available. There are numerous vintage brooches on the market, from the New Look period, post World War II, the brooches that emerged were very similar to the Edwardian designs, with pearls, rhinestones and clean, fluid lines.

For a statement brooch, that is bold and confident, a brooch from the 60’s or 70’s is a good choice from the Mod movement period, the New Wave era saw brooch styles sway more towards plastic, neon and flamboyant designs.

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